The world's biggest dog exhibition has prohibited flat-faced designer pugs that experience breathing difficulties from participating. Cr...
The world's biggest dog exhibition has prohibited flat-faced designer pugs that experience breathing difficulties from participating.
Crufts, managed by the Kennel Club, will now require three breeds to take a respiratory function grading (RFG) test - with any animal scoring a two or three being excluded.
The updated regulations have sparked anger among certain dog owners, who argue that the rules specifically target pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, while ignoring health issues prevalent in various other types of dogs.
The guidance from the Kennel Club states: 'The Kennel Club has introduced a change to the respiratory function grading system entry requirements for Crufts 2026, as part of its dedication to tracking and enhancing the health of brachycephalic dogs.
Starting in 2026, all bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs that receive a grade two or grade three assessment under the RFG Scheme will no longer be allowed to participate in Crufts. Previously, only dogs with a grade three assessment were excluded.
The evaluation, created in collaboration with theUniversity of Cambridge, will assess the breeds for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) – a breathing condition associated with flat facial structures.
Dogs will be examined before and after the exercise, then rated on a scale from zero, indicating no symptoms of the condition, to three, representing the highest level of severity.
A requirement for participation will be the submission of evaluations, with Crufts set to occur from March 5 to 8 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Angela Taylor, hailing from Staffordshire, who is the owner of Pugs, stated that the breed is not more susceptible to health problems than other dogs.
She said to The Telegraph: "There are various dog breeds that commonly experience. West Highland white terriers often suffer from skin problems, while Cavalier King Charles spaniels are typically susceptible to heart issues and respiratory health concerns."
Labradors suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia, Great Danes and their susceptibility to bone cancer, dachshunds with spinal problems, and border collies with behavioral challenges. The list continues endlessly, as various breeds face their own prevalent health concerns.
Ms. Taylor continued by mentioning various other dog breeds that have their own typical health problems.
Among them were labradors suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia, great danes with bone cancer, dachshunds with spinal problems, and border collies with 'behavioral challenges'.
She highlighted that singling out pugs and French bulldogs would create a harmful example, noting that all dogs participating in events must be in good health. However, she questioned, "If you're going to prohibit specific breeds, where will it end?"
Sue Smith, a different pug owner, described the action as 'unfair,' stating it was 'simply due to their appearance.'
The updated regulations come after it was disclosed that dog breeds characterized by flat faces, large eyes, and wrinkled skin are expected to vanish within the next decade as part of efforts to eliminate exaggerated features in canines.
A health evaluation introduced this week assessed dogs based on 10 physical characteristics, allowing only those scoring eight or higher to be bred under the optional program.
The Kennel Club has been contacted for a statement.
Read more- Can the United Kingdom's preference for brachycephalic dogs such as Pugs and French Bulldogs be changed in favor of more morally sound, healthier breeds?
- Will cherished Pugs and French Bulldogs disappear within the next ten years because of new health evaluations?
- Is the United Kingdom's enthusiasm for flat-faced dog breeds such as French Bulldogs decreasing in favor of dogs with more natural snouts?
- Are Britain's cherished designer dog breeds becoming less popular? Find out the reasons behind the declining appeal of brachycephalic dogs.
- What is driving the increasing demand to prohibit the breeding of severely brachycephalic pets due to health issues?
